Having had 77 designers, who participated earlier this year at the Annual Arise Magazine Fashion Week in Lagos, FIVE African designers won the coveted prize to represent the ARISE Magazine (In partnership with Mercedes Benz Fashion Week) as part of its self-styled fashion expose themed: “African Icons” extravaganza, which was held at today at the Lincoln centre.

Tiffany Amber:

I like to think of Tiffany Amber as the princess of prints and all things billowy. With carefully self-crafted prints and an impeccable fabric selection, you can always count on this designer to deliver a collection that exceeds expectation and emulates its international standard. It is also exciting to see that the label stepped out of its comfort zone of fluidity and svelte silhouettes and toyed with more ‘tangible’ textures. This well orchestrated collection features long maxi dress, a three piece print suit and wide leg jumpsuits in whimsical soft prints and a warm colour palette of yellow and earth tones and powder blue. One other striking feature was the boat necklines on most pieces, thigh high slits, plunging backs and the surreptitiously cut out waist. All in all, Tiffany Amber’s loyal followership will be pleased by this collection and other converted by the ditsy prints and feathery frocks.

Collection:

Tsemaye Binitie:

Modern minimalist meet cool sports luxe with just the right amount of injected femininity; opening the catwalk bang on trend with a peplum, neutral-silhouetted number, a parka worn over metallic sportswear, collared and panelled down the front with alternate fabric. More sportswear inspired jackets teamed with printed trousers, more peplum pieces – this time with muted colour-blocking silhouettes, tailored sweats and a leather pair of trousers.

Owing to the designer’s passion for craftsmanship, Maki Oh delivered a stunning S/S 2013 collection that focused on customised printing, tassels and delicate pieces. Getting off on a neutral palette start, we were introduced to a dusty pink fluid-y number, a fringed 20s inspired number, ivory blouse and skirt separate infused with printed eye on the backdrop of the fabric. Further fringing on more pieces but rather than as a fully fledged number; it was either attached tassels, tiered fringing or panelled fringing.

When it wasn’t relaxed tailoring, it was an appraisal of the female form – punches of peach, berry and navy made up the most bit of the collection. There was a quieter story with Sheer and Sequins but the assemblage was more headlined with Movement and utter creativity.

Collection:

Gavin Rajah:

Gavin Rajah has become synonymous with impeccable, be-jeweled, shimmery, sequined, delicate, haute couture designs and his S/S 2013 collection was no exception. The runway was glowing {literally} with flowing, lose designs embellished with shiny ornaments or embroidered with floral petals and beads as we saw in some of the looks. The collection represented a mature, graceful woman who doesn’t mind a bit of “bling” in her wardrobe. Though some pieces where over the top there were a few simple looks for the woman who likes to look good without grabbing too much attention. Hardware visors/crown-like caps made in multiple designs finished off some of the looks. The collection was not as haute couture as his previous ones.
In between the dramatic pieces was a number of wearable toned down looks.

Collection:

Ozwald Boateng:

Living up to his mesmerising capacity, Mr Boateng put up quite a show last night as he surprised the entire audience with his wax print tailored blazers on the runway. As per usual, the designer delivered sharp tailored suits; some bright coloured, others subtle, more work-wear worthy [Suppose it depends on your job description]. Very reminiscent of the Sapeurs of Congo who are frankly particular about their shoes like the Italians and their male-elegance like the French – rather than straying far from his roots, the designer incorporated indigenity, introducing us to tribal-printed hemmed pockets as well as sharply tailored wax print blazers underlain with collarless satin dress shirts [colour-blocked].

The other half of the collection focused more on casuals; white short-sleeved shirts with wax print panelling, bibs and collars, there were also a number of shorts in sight both print and not. In true Ozwald Boateng fashion, the designer closed the show off with absolute charm and vivacity.

Collection:

Also, Watch HIGHLIGHTS of ALL the shows at the Arise Magazine Africa Icon Collection below from Mecerdes Benz Fashion Week: